Are you ready to plan your post covid19 family vacation and looking for a friendly and diverse country to visit? Unspoiled nature and educative culture? With enough free and safe space? Uganda has it all! In this blog Daan gives you his favorite locations for a family trip. Without doubt this will be an unforgettable holiday for you, your partner and kids!
1. Canoe to the islands of Lake Bunyonyi
In the lush and green hills of Kabale in South West Uganda, you find Lake Bunyonyi: a large blue lake
with many islands, home to many little birds. It offers plenty of leisure activities and is also a great
place to relax. Canoeing in a “mokoro” is a popular activity. Guides have interesting stories about the
history and culture of this place. Enjoy the beautiful landscape along the shores - which is also
perfect for day hikes - and dive into the perfectly safe, crystal-clear waters (only if you can swim, of
course, the lake is deep!)
Family-friendly accommodation tip: Bushara Island Camp located on a spacious island. It has eco
cottages and a cosy campfire. The tarzan swing into the water and plenty of space to play make it a
true paradise for kids. Bushara Island Camp is the home of ‘Join for Joy kids sports camps’ for a
obvious reason!
2. Watch wildlife at Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park is home to a spectacular 45-meter high waterfall. The south is
characterized by green thick bush, whereas the North exists of dry Savannah landscapes. This area is
home to lots of wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, lions and elephants. Spot these magnificent
animals in their natural habitat on a game drive or boat safari. Also hiking with a guide is an option.
You can even reach the top of the falls: experience how millions of liters scatter down within
seconds! The view from this top is amazing too. Murchison Falls National Park has plenty of family friendly accommodations in different price ranges.
3. Visit famous Lake Victoria
Just outside the lively city of Kampala you find yourself in the middle of nature. This offers great
opportunities for a day trip. Our favorite is to take the boat from Ggaba Kampala to Bule Landingsite (the boatmen provide you with life vests!). Don’t forget to bring your mountain bikes with you. Once you have crossed the lake you can ride through beautiful forest, banana plantations and small villages. Visit Lakeside Adventure Park if you are in for some real adventure and fun with the family through a variety of outdoor games.
Family-friendly accommodation tip: Lakeside Escape Resort. A very comfortable place with a homely
ambience, swaying palm trees and build from 90% natural and environmentally friendly material.
4. Unwind in the unexplored Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls and surroundings
Less known but definitely worth a visit, is the East of Uganda. This is where you find more
peacefulness, plenty of unspoiled nature and lots of adventure too! Stay close to the famous Sipi
Falls waterfalls or try out Kapchorwa where lots of unknown waterfalls and caves wait to be
explored by you and your family. There are plenty of hike trails of different length and
toughness. Other activities range from the cultural ‘Cave Experience’ where you learn about ancient
life and dance with local communities, to an informative and fun coffee tour, and adventure sports.
5. Go rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
We have to be honest here: Daan has not been here himself, but the many great stories and social
cause make it worth mentioning. This sanctuary is the only spot where you can view rhinos in
Uganda. It is where they are protected from poaching and have the opportunity to breed in peace.
The mission of the ZIwa sanctuary is to save this wonderful species. It is possible to do rhino (and
other wildlife) trekking by foot or boat and with experienced guides.
Nice to knows
Finally these are some ‘nice to knows’ if you are traveling Uganda with your family:
- It is possible to hire a car with roof top tent that fits 4-5 persons (Road Trip Africa)
- Ugandans are open and curious people who like to interact with children
- Uganda has not (yet) been discovered by many tourists, so you will always have enough
privacy and space, and the feeling of being in the outback
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan is the manager of Home of Friends Guesthouse. He is passionate about exploring Mount Elgon’s stunning nature and authentic culture. Through Run Kapchorwa he empowers youth with skilling & employment opportunities.